Hyderabad: BJP MLA Dhanpal Suryanarayana Gupta raised a demand in the Assembly to ban the use of Hindu god names for alcohol outlets across Telangana. The liquor shop issue triggered a fresh political debate during the budget session.
He urged the government to bring in a law to prevent traders from using the names of deities for such businesses. Moreover, he said such practices insult Hindu religious sentiments.
Liquor shop naming issue raised in the Assembly
The MLA said authorities must ensure that future licences do not allow religious names for alcohol outlets. Therefore, he asked the government to act at the licensing stage itself.
He argued that using names of deities for such outlets amounts to disrespect. Consequently, he called for immediate policy intervention.
Across Telangana, thousands of outlets operate under various names. Meanwhile, many use names of Hindu deities such as Renuka Yellamma and Maisamma.
Traders believe such names attract customers and improve business. As a result, the practice has continued over the years.
However, the BJP MLA said the government must stop this trend. He insisted that authorities should prevent the use of religious names going forward.
The demand has now brought the issue into focus in the state’s political discourse.